Page:Life in the Old World - Vol. II.djvu/446

456 the y prey of the strong, who rent asunder the fallen lion, which anciently ruled over nations. But, as regards the ancient times, you already know all abo n u t them, or may do so, from the first Guide Book you meet with. I will therefore only relate to you that which I learned of the present state of Sicily. It resembles a pause between two volcanic eruptions, that which broke out in the year 1848, and that which it is feared, or hoped, may break, out shortly. In the former revolution, a great number of the highest nobility of Sicily took part; a great many of its priests, and the whole of its middle class. That which they wanted for Sicily, was the same which all the states of Italy desire; free constitutions; a new, better, nobler life; a better state of things in every respect. ”

Torrents of blood flowed therefore, especially in Messina, where the combat was most earnest and most obstinate. But—the time, the people were not ready; the foreign friends not faithful; the patriots were obliged to fly, or to give themselves up as prisoners; the old state of things returned; a state of things more in accordance with the circumstances of the middle ages than with the character of the age which is now dawning upon the world. The overthrown statue of the King of Naples, was re-erected in Palermo and there it still stands, with a paternally protecting, threatening expression. The best and most earnest citizens of Sicily were compelled to leave their beloved island; the others, the frivolous, the selfish, still remained, and continue to look after their pleasures, their gambling, and their love intrigues.

Sicily had a good governor, by name, Filangieri.